Brain metastases are secondary tumors formed when cancer cells spread from other parts of the body to the brain. The most frequent sources of these metastases include lung, breast, kidney, melanoma, and colorectal cancers. Cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic pathways to reach the brain, where they establish new tumor sites.
These metastatic brain tumors occur more frequently than primary brain tumors and have a significant effect on the course of the disease. Early detection and suitable treatment strategies can enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Common Symptoms of Brain Metastases
Brain metastases symptoms vary according to the location and size of the metastatic lesions. The most common signs include:
Headache: Often caused by elevated intracranial pressure and may progressively worsen.
Nausea and vomiting: Result from increased pressure within the skull.
Neurological deficits: These may include visual disturbances, difficulties with speech, problems maintaining balance, and muscle weakness.
Seizures: Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can lead to seizure episodes.
Cognitive and behavioral changes: Memory impairment, concentration difficulties, personality shifts, and depression may also be present.
Diagnostic Approaches
Neurological examination: Assessment of reflexes, muscle strength, vision, speech, and coordination.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Brain metastases MRI; the most sensitive imaging tool for detecting brain metastases.
Computed Tomography (CT): Useful for rapid assessment, especially in emergency situations in brain metastases radiology.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET-CT): Employed to detect metastatic lesions else where in the body.
Treatment Strategies for Brain Metastases
The choice of brain metastases treatment depends on the number and size of metastases, the patient’s overall health, and the type of primary cancer.
1. Surgical Intervention
Treatment for brain metastases; microsurgery can be effective for removing metastatic tumors, reducing symptoms, and potentially prolonging survival.
2. Radiotherapy
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): Delivers high-dose radiation precisely to the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy brain tissue.
Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBRT): Typically used for multiple metastatic lesions.
3. Systemic Treatments
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs selected based on the primary cancer to target tumor cells.
Targeted Therapy: Focuses on drugs that inhibit specific genetic mutations in cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Enhances the immune system’s ability to combat cancer cells.